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Scotland consults on 65p minimum unit price
The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on raising the minimum unit price of alcohol to 65p . ‘ Views are being sought on whether to continue minimum unit pricing ( MUP ) legislation beyond the current term which ends next April , and the level at which it should be set ,’ the government states .
MUP legislation is subject to a ‘ sunset clause ’, meaning that it will expire in April 2024 unless the Scottish Parliament votes for it to continue . The level has been set at 50p per unit since MUP was implemented in 2018 , with campaigners arguing that the rate has failed to keep pace with inflation . There were 1,276 alcohol specific deaths in Scotland last year , the highest number since 2008 ( DDN , September , page 5 ).
A new report from the Sheffield Alcohol Research Group states that ‘ even under the most optimistic assumptions ’ about how quickly alcohol consumption among the heaviest drinkers is likely to return to pre-pandemic levels – if at all – there is likely to be a ‘ marked increase ' in alcohol harms . High inflation has also ‘ eroded the real-terms value ’ of
TWO TURNING POINT SERVICES – Oxfordshire Roads to Recovery and Slough Treatment , Advice & Recovery Team ( START ) – have achieved ‘ microelimination ’ of hepatitis C .
To achieve micro-elimination status , the services had to meet three criteria set out by the NHS – every person accessing the services had to have been offered a hepatitis C test ; 90 per cent of those had to be tested the 50p MUP level it adds .
‘ The recent rise in alcoholspecific deaths highlights the need for more to be done to tackle alcohol-related harm ,’ said drug and alcohol policy minister Elena Whitham . ‘ We believe the proposals set out in this consultation strike a reasonable balance between public health benefits and any effects on the alcoholic drinks market and subsequent impact on consumers , but we want to hear from all sides and urge everyone to take the time to respond .’
The minimum unit price should be increased to 65p to ‘ match inflation and ensure that this continues to be an effective measure in tackling our nation ’ s complex relationship with alcohol ,’ said policy lead at With You , Graeme Callander . ‘ But minimum unit pricing cannot be delivered in isolation . The Scottish Government also needs to commit to the provision of well-funded and readily available support and treatment services for people with alcohol dependence .’
Alcohol – minimum unit pricing – continuation and future pricing : consultation at https :// www . gov . scot / publications /
Oxfordshire and Slough achieve micro-elimination of hepatitis C
‘ Minimum unit pricing cannot be delivered in isolation . The Scottish Government also needs to commit to the provision of well-funded and readily available support and treatment services .’
GRAEME CALLANDER within the last 12 months ; and of those diagnosed with hep C , 90 per cent had to have started treatment . NHS England has set targets for micro-elimination as part of its goal to eliminate hep C as a major public health threat in the UK by 2025 – five years ahead of the World Health Organization ’ s global target of 2030 .
‘ We are incredibly proud to achieve hep C microelimination in Oxfordshire ,’ said senior operations manager at Oxfordshire Roads to Recovery service , Andy Symons . ‘ Our wonderful collaboration with the John Radcliffe Hepatology Department and the Hepatitis C Trust has successfully treated over 250 people within drug treatment services , enabling life extending treatment , saving lives and protecting communities in Oxfordshire .’
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TAKE FIFE The NHS Fife health board has been chosen to manage the UK-wide Reducing Drug Deaths Innovation Challenge ( DDN , September , page 4 ), and will now co-ordinate the £ 5m project . The initiative is a ‘ unique opportunity ’ for health and social care to work together with universities and industry to make a difference , said clinical lead Professor Alex Baldacchino .
CHANGING SCENES An increase in the use of benzodiazepines and gabapentinoids are among the findings of the second GM TRENDS report on substance use in Greater Manchester . There has also been an increase in the availability of crystal meth – associated with the ‘ chemsex ’ scene – along with ‘ a reduction in price and a change in demographics of users ’, it says . https :// gmtrends . mmu . ac . uk /
BEST FOOT FORWARD Former Leeds United star Jermaine Beckford was among 100 people celebrating recovery at the 2023 Forward Leeds recovery graduation ceremony . ‘ Events like this remind us what success looks like , which will inspire others to undertake that journey ,’ said professor of addiction and recovery , David Best .
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